Figuerolles loop

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Nature walk to discover the agricultural heritage of the Grand Parc de Figuerolles. Loop that allows you to walk along the Étang de Berre.

Details

n°3195439
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.08 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 71 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 72 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 74 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Martigues (13500)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.435251° / E 5.041889°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3144OT
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Photos

Path between the sea and the lagoons, Figuerolles loop

Description of the walk

Park in the Parc de Figuerolles car park.

(S/E) Head towards the park entrance, then turn right towards the Mediterranean gardens. On your left, you will see an ornamental water basin.

(1) At the first crossroads, continue straight ahead on the main path. On your left, you will see the orchard with old varieties and the Mas de Verville. Continue along the path that runs alongside the park fence. The path then splits in two to make way for a green space. Keep to your right and continue straight ahead. You will see a playground on your right. Keep it on your right as you go around it.

(2) On your left is the Municipal Equestrian Centre. Follow the road to the right. At the multiple crossroads, go straight ahead and enter the pine forest. Continue to the barrier separating the tarmac road. The park's educational farm is on your left.

(3) Turn right and follow the road. At the crossroads, you will see a circular threshing area on your right in front of the dinosaur playground.

(4) Cross the road and rejoin the fitness trail. Leave the terraced path on your left and follow the path that passes in front of the mountain biking area. Follow the path as it curves to the right and continue straight ahead for 1 km, through the heath and pine forest.

(5) At the intersection, turn left and continue straight ahead towards Anse de Figuerolles. Follow the path to the beach. After the pirate ship playground, go up the tarmac road.

(6) At the top, take the path that branches off to the right at 180°. Before the D.F.C.I. barrier, stay on the path to the left. Pass behind the olive trees and follow the path above the mound to reach another D.F.C.I. barrier.

(7) Immediately afterwards, take the path that descends to your left. Keep right at the crossroads that appears immediately, and continue straight ahead through the pine forest. At the bottom of the path, keep left and then continue straight ahead to the water tower, leaving the educational apiary on your left.

Go to the main entrance of the park and turn right to return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 62 m - Figuerolles Park car park
  2. 1 : km 0.2 - alt. 62 m - Orchard of old varieties - Mas de Verville
  3. 2 : km 0.56 - alt. 59 m - Municipal equestrian centre
  4. 3 : km 1.01 - alt. 59 m - Educational farm - Threshing floor
  5. 4 : km 1.17 - alt. 56 m - Road crossing
  6. 5 : km 2.42 - alt. 43 m - Intersection - Etang de Berre
  7. 6 : km 4.32 - alt. 51 m - DFCI barrier - Path on the right
  8. 7 : km 4.96 - alt. 73 m - DFCI barrier - Path on the left
  9. S/E : km 6.08 - alt. 62 m - Arrival

Notes

(5) The path descends to an orientation table with a view of the Étang de Berre. It is thesecond largest saltwater (brackish) lake in Europe.

Worth a visit

(S/E) The Mediterranean gardens of Figuerolles Park are located on the site of the former estate of the Sunhary de Verville family. The plantings are organised around six gardens, based on the theme of drought resistance. The second basin, adjoining the Verville farm, is 40 metres long and 20 metres wide. Its approximate capacity is 1,500 m³. This pond is characterised by its cut stone masonry, with buttresses and corner chains made of dressed stone. It was gutted in the second half of the 20th century to make way for stables.

(2) The educational farm consists of two main buildings: the "Maison de la Nature" and the "Mandine Farm". The former was originally a barn attached to the Mandine farm. It was built in the 18th century and was used to store fodder and equipment. Still in use today, the "Mandine Farm" is the oldest habitable building on the site.

Thyme, rosemary, rockroses, Kermes oak and juniper populate this environment, typical of Provençal landscapes.

The Figuerolles cove has specific vegetation, known as halophilic, which has adapted to the presence of salt in the spray from the lagoon. Tamarisk, sea purslane and false criste inula populate this environment, which is characterised by a small number of species.

The water tower is a tower approximately 15 metres high, designed as a lookout in the Rocaille style with an iron balcony overlooking the Étang de Berre. It is topped by a metal tank, visible from throughout the park

Reviews and comments

4.5 / 5
Based on 22 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
OT Martigues
OT Martigues

Hello, thank you for your feedback The signposting has been reported and should be improved during the course of the year by the French Hiking Federation. Have a great day!

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User 25811627

Very beautiful park, but the signage is poorly done when you're standing at the start of some of the trails.
Otherwise, a very good route.

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gise13
gise13

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We really enjoyed this peaceful walk with its beautiful views.
Thank you for a wonderful time.

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Vador61
Vador61

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

a pleasant circular through a park where you can extend your walk to include several points of interest, such as the educational farm.

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Philippe69
Philippe69

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Route in the Figuerolles area, very pleasant for those who want a short walk with children or their dog. Parking available at the entrance

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OT Martigues
OT Martigues

Hello, we appreciate reading that you enjoyed the Figuerolles circular trail We have taken note of the difficulty with the signage and will pass this on to the relevant teams. Have a wonderful day

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User 25147646

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Pleasant, easy route, but the signage for the different routes is poorly done and non-existent in some places (no signs)

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OT Martigues
OT Martigues

Thank you, Jérôme, for your constructive feedback It's true that the scenery is a real bonus on this walk along the edge of the Étang de Berre. It's also easy to take a fun break during the first part of this hike We hope you'll discover other trails in our region. Have a wonderful day!

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jerome1507
jerome1507

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Nice route. The first part is a pleasant area to spend time with friends or family, with various facilities (tables, children's games, fitness trail, boules courts, etc.), so it can get busy at times. The second part is very pleasant and wooded, ideal for walking, and quieter. There are lovely views of the Étang de Berre lagoon. When you walk along the lagoon, you can take a smaller, very pleasant and more challenging path below, closer to the water, which will take you to the same place. A beautiful walk!

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OT Martigues
OT Martigues

Hello, thank you very much for your feedback. We appreciate you using our hiking tour for this itinerary Have a nice day.

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User 9009556

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Clear route and map

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OT Martigues
OT Martigues

Hello Jolo07, thank you for your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you were able to find a walk suited to your health issues. We hope you enjoyed the beautiful scenery around the Étang de Berre Have a wonderful day!

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jolo07
jolo07

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Super relaxing and suitable for people with "arthritis and knee prosthesis problems!
Don't forget caps and water in summer
Great view over the pond!
Can be done with children aged 5 and over (if they like walking!)

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gg13500
gg13500

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for sharing
A very pleasant parish-specific to Brittany walk that takes you around the magnificent Figuerolles park.
Remember to bring hats and water bottles when it's hot.

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OT Martigues
OT Martigues

Hello Taille.taille,
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed this route. It is true that the Grand Parc de Figuerolles is a very pleasant place for family days out. We look forward to seeing you on another route.

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